District abattoir moving forward

The past three months spent seeking a lessee/operator for the proposed regional abattoir culminated with a decision at the board’s Oct. 26 meeting.
Two expressions of interest were received to lease and operate the facility.
Northend Farms Ltd. was chosen as the candidate of choice to partner with Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. following an extensive interview and scoring process.
The process included advertising for interested parties, followed by board interviews using a prepared scoring template to evaluate candidates and determine the option best suited to the identified needs of the membership.
Both candidates demonstrated leadership and dedication to community interests in their proposals.
The members of the board of directors were unanimous in their decision to work with Northend Farms Ltd., and are optimistic in meeting previously set timelines to be in operation.
The next steps will be to enter into discussions centered on business planning and the proposed lease agreement to determine if there is a commercial basis for the operation of the abattoir, consistent with the interests of the members.
This represents an opportunity for farmers in Rainy River District to expand and add value to their operations.
A general membership meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13 to approve the constitution and update members.
Members also are reminded of the Feb. 28, 2007 deadline to pay their $500 membership and complete the $2,000 loan. Membership will entitle producers to negotiated fees for service and privileges.
New members may obtain applications from RRDRA Inc. c/o the Rainy River Future Development Corp. in Fort Frances, Ont.